BIOGRAPHY
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Keith Day Pearce Murray F.R.I.B.A ,R.D.I (1892-1981) Keith Murray is regarded as one of the most important designers of the early 20th Century. From 1932 to 1948, Keith Murray produced over a thousand designs in ceramics, glass and metals for company's such as Stevens & Williams (glass), Wedgwood (ceramics) and Mappin & Webb (silver & silver plate). His work is now highly sought after by collectors throughout the world. |
Keith Murray was born in Stokes Road, Mount Eden, New Zealand in 1892. At the age of 14 his parents, Charles Henry Murray, originally from Peterhead Scotland, and Lillian Day Murray from Nelson, NZ, emigrated with Keith to England. During the first world war, he was called up for service and joined up with the Royal Flying Corps where he served, with distinction, as a pilot.
After the war had ended, it was time for him to decide on a career. He chose to undertake architectural training with the Architectural Association in London. After completion of this, Murray found it difficult to find new work. The depression of the 1920's had been hard hitting and the majority of companies and individuals faced extremely difficult times. He decided to look for work in other fields.
A trip to the Paris Exhibition in 1925 gave him enormous inspiration and enthusiasm. The show was bursting with new and innovative designs. In particular, Murray found glass to be one of the most inspiring of materials. He had had an interest in old glass for many years but the show generated a new passion for contemporary glass work. Having seen the current European patterns in glass Keith felt that he could help to improve the quality of British glass.
This eventually led to Murray meeting up with Arthur Powell, one of the directors of the Whitefriars Glassworks. Little came of this meeting except for a few of Murray's designs being made up as experimental pieces. However, in 1932 he met Herbert Williams-Thomas, one of the directors of the Stevens and Williams Glassworks, and was subsequently employed as a freelance designer. He learned a great deal about the techniques used in the manufacture of glassware, from the blowing of the glass to the cutting and polishing of work. Murray produced over 150 new and exciting designs each year, some of which were made as unique items, others that were mass produced. A number of shapes did not go into production at all.
Also in 1932, an introduction to one of Josiah Wedgwood & Sons Ltd showroom managers in London resulted in an invitation to the factory at Barlaston. After discussions with Josiah Wedgwood, Murray was invited to work for the company on a freelance basis, which he accepted.
Murray's was now working mutually as a designer for both Stevens & Williams Glassworks and Wedgwood & Sons.
BIOGRAPHY |
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